TEXTILES.ORG
Index 11 is breaking further records, confirming in a press release this week that more than 500 companies from around the world are exhibiting at the Geneva Palexpo, Switzerland, event April 12-15.
EDANA, the international association representing the nonwovens and related industries, and the sponsor of Index 11, said in the release that innovation and sustainability are the drivers at this year’s event.
“A month before Index 11, the exhibition space has been extended to be able to welcome more exhibitors,” said Pierre Wiertz, general manager of EDANA. “The geographical diversity of the exhibitors continues to develop, reflecting the shifts in the nonwovens market, with large numbers of visitors from the Middle and Far East.”
The 2011 event is the 10th consecutive edition of Index, described as the world’s leading nonwovens exhibition. It is accompanied this year by a program of activities, including special events, interactive workshops, and education sessions.
Sustainability report launch
EDANA will launch its new sustainability report on the opening day of Index 11, building on the association’s mission to create an environment beneficial to sustainable and profitable growth. A multitude of nonwoven applications will be covered in the report, according to the press release.
Vision 2020 launch
EDANA will also publicly launch its joint study on the future of the nonwovens and related industries, in a program titled “Vision 2020.” Aimed at helping member companies identify the challenges and opportunities in the next decade, it was developed with support from futurists and market experts, the press release stated.
Speakers
The release also described how speakers, including some eminent leaders of the industry, will take part in free educational and promotional activities.
IFAI, the Industrial Fabrics Association International, is a special invitee at Index 11. IFAI will provide several workshops on selected U.S technical textile markets.
Symposiums led by Jeffrey Rasmussen, market research manager for IFAI, will offer insights to help attendees understand the current conditions within the fabric graphics, geosynthetics, smart fabrics, and construction/building market segments.
There will also be a workshop, “Nonwovens in Packaging,” led by George Kellie of Kellie Solutions, a U.K. marketing and technology company. The use of nonwovens is growing rapidly in the packaging field in a broad range of applications from tea bags to fashion shopping bags.
With more than 500 exhibitors already confirmed, the exhibition covers more than 52,000 square meters of exhibition space for the first time. More than 12,500 visitors from over 100 countries are expected to attend the 2011 event, which takes place in Geneva every three years.